9 Benefits of Tomatoes, Fruit that is Suspected of Vegetables

Although often mistaken for vegetables, it turns out that tomatoes are included in the category of fruits. The fruit which is usually orange or red can be consumed in various ways. The benefits of tomatoes for the body's health are also diverse, ranging from adequate body nutrition to prevent cancer. Tomatoes contain a natural antioxidant called lycopene (lycopene). This substance can help combat the effects of cancer-causing free radicals. Other antioxidants found in tomatoes are polyphenols, naringenin, and chlorogenic acid. In addition, tomatoes are low in calories and fat, but are rich in carotenoids, lutein, sugar, vitamin A, vitamin C, folate, and potassium. No wonder the benefits of tomatoes are also abundant.

Various Benefits of Tomatoes for Body Health

Here are some of the benefits of tomatoes that are believed to prevent or even alleviate the symptoms of certain diseases, including:

• Prevent cancer

Because it contains antioxidants such as lycopene, carotenoids, and polyphenols, tomatoes can help prevent DNA damage in cells due to free radicals that can cause cancer. Therefore, the benefits of tomatoes are thought to play a role in preventing various dangerous cancers, such as prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, stomach, mouth, lung, breast, and bladder. However, this assumption still requires further evidence and research because various studies conducted so far still show inconsistent data.

• Reduces high blood pressure

Other benefits of tomatoes come from the potassium content. Increasing potassium intake and reducing sodium (salt) are very important for lowering blood pressure. Research shows that eating tomatoes and reducing salt intake in a daily diet can reduce blood pressure in people with mild high blood pressure.

• Maintaining heart and blood vessel health

Numerous studies show that the benefits of tomatoes are closely related to heart health and reduce risk factors for heart disease. The potassium and lycopene content are effective in reducing levels of bad cholesterol or LDL and helping to maintain a stable heart rhythm. Nutrition in tomatoes has also been shown to reduce inflammation associated with the risk of heart disease, heart attack, and stroke, especially in people with obesity.

• Maintain skin health

According to one study, lycopene is thought to be able to improve the skin's ability to protect itself from exposure to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and help keep skin looking youthful. In addition, the content of vitamin C in tomatoes also functions as a collagen and antioxidant stimulant that helps prevent skin damage by sunlight, pollution and smoke. Tomatoes also help in preventing fine wrinkles and improving overall skin texture.

• Maintaining eye health

Tomatoes contain various essential nutrients to protect eye health. The benefits of tomatoes that contain antioxidants lutein, zeaxanthin, and carotenoids can help reduce symptoms of tired eyes, and reduce the risk of eye diseases related to aging, such as macular degeneration.

• Good for diabetics

Tomatoes are a good source of fiber for the body, and are low in fat and sugar. Because the benefits of tomatoes from the abundant nutritional content and are foods with low glycemic index, it is not wrong if tomatoes are considered as good food for diabetics.

• Prevents depression

The benefits of tomatoes from their nutritional content are also thought to play a role in reducing the risk of depression. Research shows that the elderly who eat tomatoes every week are less likely to experience depression. However, the effect of this tomato still needs to be studied further.

• Prevents constipation

Eating foods with high water and fiber content, such as tomatoes, can help smooth bowel movements, reduce the risk of constipation, and prevent dehydration.

• Maintain body weight

Tomatoes that are low in calories, carbohydrates and fat, but are rich in other nutrients, have benefits in maintaining weight. The benefits of tomatoes on this one are important for those of you who are losing weight, because the various nutritional content in tomatoes can meet the nutritional needs during the diet.

The various benefits of tomatoes are still in need of research and further evidence. However, do not hesitate to add tomatoes to your daily diet, because tomatoes contain many important nutrients.